I have seen a rise on youtube of women having unassisted births in their home or even one that did in a creek. I think it is very dangerous, however it is her body her pregmancy I do not know if I would want to make it illegal because it would take ownership over a womans body.

Side note: How would one get a BC after the birth? Can they be punished for not goig to hospital or a midwife?

Also this is why I believe more insuarances should cover birthing centers and midwives. I sometimes wonder if that would have made these women choose differently because they had more natural options. Most insurances wont cover unless they are PPO and here in California PPO is very expensive

user banned
3 kids; Los Angeles, California54034 posts

30th May '13

I don't think it's illegal here, but I'm not sure. I think that'd be pretty hard to enforce, anyone could just be like, "well it was an oops, we didn't make it to the hospital in time" or whatever. I believe women should be able to birth any way they want. It's not something I'd ever in a million years consider, but I'm all for whatever anyone else wants to do.

I don't think it should be illegal, but I personally don't know why you wouldn't want a midwife or someone who has formal training in dealing with emergencies should they arise.

I'm so glad midwives are covered here. Based on everyone i talk to, I wouldn't have wanted a doctor, but I don't think I would have paid $1000s for my midwives (we actually got 3 - 1 primary for us, 1 there for the baby and 1 on call that we have met)

It depends on the state but the laws are pretty much unenforceable. That is, there is no way to prove that labor wasn't so fast that it was impossible to call the midwife or drive to the hospital or birth center, etc.

It's illegal here. Having a midwife and birthing anywhere besides a hospital is illegal here as well.

Honestly, I feel as long as people know what is going on, and what to do, its ok. Like if a midwife was going to do it on her own, I wouldn't see a problem with it. Some completely uneducated individual with a few towels, no. But it is a personal decision, and only they have to live with the consequences of whatever may happen.
As far as BC after birth, they could still see an OBGYN. I have a feeling though most people who would go that route would probably prefer NFP than some form of bc.

it's not illegal here and it shouldn't be. In reality it is not dangerous. If a woman has a healthy pregnancy, all the midwife really does is catch the baby, the woman's body does all the work. Yes there are emergencies that can arise, but if a woman prepares and educates herself, she can know when something may not be right and get herself to the hospital.
But that's neither here nor there, I don't think any laws should govern how or where a woman wants to birth! I think insurance SHOULD cover midwives and homebirths.

It isn't illegal here, and it absolutely should not be. The birth certificate. rrequires some proof of pregnancy (witnesses, note from doctor/midwife, etc.) As long as a woman is well educated and is not trying to UC with a high-risk pregnancy, I don't think it is super dangerous. I am reading tons about UC.

<blockquote><b>Quoting C&K:</b>" It isn't illegal here, and it absolutely should not be. The birth certificate. rrequires some proof of ... [snip!] ... educated and is not trying to UC with a high-risk pregnancy, I don't think it is super dangerous. I am reading tons about UC."</blockquote>

Sometimes I am wishing I could because my husbands insurance wont cover midwives or birth centers. But I am going to hire a doula for my hospital birth and hope it is better than my other births

In the US there is only one state where it's illegal and still they have a hard time trying to prosecute so it rarely happens because the laws are so gray. I'm for it as long as the mother has educated herself properly prior to the birth. Not just deciding halfway through the pregnancy hey I'm going to have a UC. It's their body, their, birth and choice. I would trust most mothers would make the best decision for their situation. Personally, no it's not for me. I have had a home birth but in the care of a midwife.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Simply Mom ⚓:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting C&K:</b>" It isn't illegal here, and it absolutely should not ... [snip!] ... midwives or birth centers. But I am going to hire a doula for my hospital birth and hope it is better than my other births"</blockquote>

I was/am considering it. My blood pressure is creeping up and if I don't get it under control, I will for sure have her at the hospital :(

Unasissted birth should not be illegal. Just because it is illegal for midwives to attend a home birth does not mean UCs are illegal there, nessessarily. Women are unfairly charged as being midwives for simply attending homebirths though.

Most women who have UCs are very well researched and take many precautions in order to do this. It is not taken lightly for anyone. I had a UC because it was the best choice for my child and myself.

Most people don't understand the simplicity of a natural, healthy labor, ESPECIALLY the ones unattended. Heck, most people think a breech birth or a twin birth constitutes a c-section.

<blockquote><b>Quoting eKnuckles:</b>" Unasissted birth should not be illegal. Just because it is illegal for midwives to attend a home birth ... [snip!] ... healthy labor, ESPECIALLY the ones unattended. Heck, most people think a breech birth or a twin birth constitutes a c-section."</blockquote>

<blockquote><b>Quoting Simply Mom ⚓:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting eKnuckles:</b>" Unasissted birth should not be illegal. Just ... [snip!] ... a breech birth or a twin birth constitutes a c-section."</blockquote> Here it is legal for midwives to do homebirths."</blockquote>

Here too. Most of my friends gave birth at home. I chose a hospital (thank god i did since i needed help in my last birth) but I just didnt want the mess in my house, lol.